Home Modification Consultant (JO#7292)

Note: This is a temporary position (up to 12 months in duration)

With a vision to become the leading workplace compensation board, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) provides no-fault insurance and compensation for Ontarians in the event of a workplace injury or illness. We are committed to delivering what matters: fast, accessible service and fair benefits at a fair price.We've recently launched a comprehensive plan for modernizing and revitalizing the WSIB. This is an exciting time for the organization, and we invite you to be a part of it as we work to grow and improve the services we provide.

Recognized as a best-in-class learning organization, we promote professional development and are committed to providing our people with opportunities to lead, learn and grow, ensuring that we're providing the best possible service to the people of Ontario. We offer a market-competitive total compensation plan and a robust wellness program that promotes a healthy lifestyle as well as work/life balance.

The work we do at the WSIB is meaningful and challenging and it makes a difference to the people of Ontario. We value integrity, reliability and fairness, and we embrace the diversity of the people we work with and serve.

Job Summary:

The WSIB’s Serious Injury Services Division is a key partner in the organization’s strategic transformation initiatives with a focus on assisting workers who have suffered catastrophic injuries at work.

As part of this division, our Home Modification Consultants co-ordinate and facilitate home/workplace modifications for workers whose level of function is limited by the severity of their injuries/illnesses. This includes developing a scope of work while addressing issues in a prompt and collaborative manner, eliminating or reducing barriers within the environment, promoting safety and independent living, and improving quality of life having regard for legislative changes and by-laws impacting construction and principles of barrier free design.

The ideal candidate will enjoy travelling predominately by car within Ontario 5 days per week.

Major Responsibilities:

Conducting site assessments using a holistic approach with consideration for current and future needs and accommodation of the worker and his/her family;

Identifying, gathering, and analyzing information quickly yet in a compassionate way recognizing the impact of an injury on the worker and his/her family.

2. Develop a scope of work in partnership with the worker and family supports, health care providers, and preferred suppliers having regard for contractual obligations, processes and service agreements to manage the home modification process by:

Advising and counseling on special needs, accommodations, adaptations, alternatives, and services that will be beneficial in maximizing function, mitigating effects of impairment, promoting optimal quality of life, independent living and safety;

Maintaining contact, providing direction, identifying components that must be present in the project schedule, establishing a common understanding between all stakeholders, and collaborating with the preferred supplier to guide the execution of the project;

Monitoring modification projects to completion and inspecting completed work to ensure any deficiencies or problems are corrected/resolved and to ensure the modifications meet the worker's needs based on physical and functional tolerances/abilities;

3. Negotiate and facilitate the scope of home modifications with the worker and his/her family by:

Developing and articulating options to develop consensus on the scope of work that is consistent with WSIB practices, policies and guidelines, and also addresses worker preferences;

Reviewing, interpreting and communicating technical construction issues to the stakeholders;

Addressing ambiguities that arise and ensuring decisions are cost effective, necessary, and sufficient to accommodate the worker and family in their environment; identifying any areas of dispute and developing options for resolution or, if required, referring to Appeals;

Rendering decisions in accordance with Board policy on the scope and type of home modification based on the home assessment, known medical impairments, home inspections, and engineering or architect reports; authorizing payment of expenses for home modification related expenses;

Developing rapport with client in order to manage expectations and demands.

4. Develop proposals for home modifications based on the outcome of the tender process for projects by:

Reviewing tender results, cost estimates, and agreed upon options made with worker, family, and preferred supplier ensuring accuracy and compliance with agreements;

Determining the optimal and most cost effective solution including, where appropriate, funds in lieu of modifications;

Developing a comprehensive proposal with a rationale to support the recommendation for approval; communicating all decisions to applicable parties verbally and in writing explaining rationale for decisions and application of policies and practice guidelines.

5. Provide guidance/consultation and education to WSIB management and staff as it relates to home and/or workplace modification and processes following client referral from Service Delivery Team. This may include:

General repairs, grab bars, temporary ramps, toilets, handrails, temporary access into homes or any other home modification related equipment or premises renovations;

Review of all elevating device repair quotes and provide authorization, if appropriate.

6. Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Job Requirements:

University completion at an undergraduate level with a specialty focus in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Social Science, Kinesiology or Health Science including membership in good standing with the corresponding Ontario College.

Valid Ontario G class driver’s license.

3 years prior experience in applying home and/or workplace modifications including demonstrated knowledge of assistive devices and building code.

Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong professional relationships internally and externally.

We appreciate the interest of all candidates. Due to the volumes of applications we receive, we are only able to contact candidates that are selected to move forward in the recruitment process. The WSIB is an equal opportunity employer.

The WSIB is an equal opportunity employer and provides accommodation for job applicants in accordance with the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you are an individual with a disability and you need accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact talentacquisitioncentre@wsib.on.ca. If you are invited to participate in the assessment process, please provide your accommodation needs at that time. Please be advised that you may be required to provide medical documentation to the WSIB’s Corporate Health Department so that appropriate accommodation can be provided to you throughout the recruitment process.

Employees of the WSIB have important ethical responsibilities, including the obligation to place the public interest above personal interests. Job applicants are therefore required to disclose any circumstance that could result in a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest. These may include: political activity, directorship or other outside employment and certain personal relationships (e.g. with existing WSIB employees, clients and/or stakeholders). Please contact TAC if you have any questions about conflict of interest obligations and/ or how to make a disclosure.

Privacy Statement

Personal information will be collected from your resume, application, cover letter and references under the authority of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 and will be used by the Talent Acquisition Centre and WSIB hiring parties to assess/validate your qualifications and/or determine if you meet the requirements of vacant positions and/or gather information relevant for recruitment purposes. If you have questions or concerns regarding the collection and use of your personal information, contact the WSIB Privacy Office, 200 Front Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 3J1 or 416-344-5323 or 1-800-387-0750 extension 5323. Be advised that information related to application status will not be provided.